BaptistCare Residents tune in to students on Radio Maranoa airways

There is fresh new talent on the airways of 88.3FM Radio Maranoa on a Wednesday morning as primary students from St Joseph’s Catholic School deliver the news, weather, jokes and live music across BaptistCare Maranoa Centre’s in-house radio station in Alstonville.

BaptistCare Maranoa Centre residents have relished the enthusiasm and talent the school radio club delivers, tuning in to support the students who write, sing, and present their own content.

The narrowcast signal is strong enough for students at the adjacent school to tune in and listen to their classmate’s program too.

“It has been great to see the level of involvement increase over the last few months,” said BaptistCare Maranoa Centre, Residential Manager, Greg Price.

“Originally it was once a fortnight with four students participating but the radio studio now hosts over 12 students on a weekly basis,” he said.

“After we set up the radio studio in 2014 for our residents, we thought it would be a good idea to get local school kids involved - both from an educational perspective and also for the inter-generational connection.”

“Alstonville is a local community where there are many family connections with the residents. However, the radio program has opened up more interest in community engagement from both the students and their teachers, and the parents of the students involved,” Greg said.

Libby Spash, the teacher leading the radio club, witnesses the excitement and commitment from the students, and is thrilled with the collective response.

“We are working with staff at BaptistCare Maranoa Centre to build on what we have started,” said Libby.

“It’s heartwarming to see the smiles on the resident’s and children’s faces.”

The element of education for the children participating is also unique, with one ‘golden-voiced’ student already proclaiming it will be his occupation of choice in the future.

The school’s principal, Therese Seymour, views it as more than just a service to their elderly neighbours.

“This is an exciting opportunity to build the skills of students outside the everyday curriculum areas,” she said.

“Students need opportunities to build a skill set for the future and being part of a radio club is just such an opportunity we can offer, thanks to the support of BaptistCare Maranoa Centre.”

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